WASHINGTON, Nov 17 (Reuters) - The United States voiced
concern on Wednesday over deteriorating religious freedoms in
many parts of the world, including several European countries
where "harsh measures" limiting religious expression have been
put in place.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton unveiled the latest
State Department report on global religious freedom, which
rates countries around the world.

"Religious freedom is both a fundamental human right and an
essential element to any stable, peaceful, thriving society,"
Clinton told a news conference

The report cited North Korea, Iran, Myanmar, China, Sudan,
Eritrea, Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan among the worst offenders,
repeating criticisms the United States makes almost every
year.

But it also took note of countries such as France and
Switzerland where voters and lawmakers have passed laws
forbidding Muslim face veils and new mosque minarets.
Continued...